What is Tomato Flu?

Tomato flu is a viral disease that occurs in children under the age of five. It is also known as Tomato flu or Tomato fever. It was first identified in Kollam-Kerala on May 6, 2022. It has been reported to be detected in more than 82 children younger than 5 years of age. The tomato flu virus is transmitted from person to person by respiratory route. Although signs of the disease usually occur in young children, it can also be seen in adults. The reason why this disease is named Tomato flu is that the most obvious symptom of the disease is blisters that appear on the skin and can reach the size of a tomato. It is not a disease transmitted by touching or eating tomatoes. Since its symptoms are similar to Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and Monkeypox virus, the name Tomato flu is used to avoid confusion with this disease.

Tomato flu disease, also known as tomato fever, can cause liquid-filled red blisters to appear on the skin, especially in the hands, feet and hips. Other symptoms may include fever, weakness, redness, and joint pain. It is transmitted through direct contact, especially among young children. Although tomato flu is most common in children between the ages of 1 and 5, it can also occur in adults with low immunity. There is no specific treatment for the disease, but treatments that relieve symptoms such as pain and fever can be applied. Tomato flu is a self-healing disease.